The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Are You Water Wise?

When you turn on your tap in New Mexico, how much do you know about where that water comes from? Select from the answers below to test your water I.Q. and reconnect with the water that sustains both human and natural communities in New Mexico.

1. Where does Santa Fe’s watershed originate?

   Pecos Wilderness Area

   Pecos Wilderness Area | Correct

   The Santa Fe Watershed originates in the Pecos Wilderness Area and flows through the Santa Fe National Forest before being stored in two local reservoirs.

   Gila National Forest

   Gila National Forest | Incorrect

   Cibola National Forest

   Cibola National Forest | Incorrect

   San Juan National Forest (Arizona)

   San Juan National Forest (Arizona) | Incorrect

2. Lakes and rivers make up what percent of New Mexico’s total surface area?

   25%

   25% | Incorrect

   12%

   12% | Incorrect

   3%

   3% | Incorrect

   .002%

   .002% | Correct

   Lakes and rivers make up only .002% of the state's total surface area, the lowest water-to-land ratio of all 50 states.

3. What New Mexico river runs the entire length of the state?

   Gila River

   Gila River | Incorrect

   Pecos River

   Pecos River | Incorrect

   Rio Grande River

   Rio Grande River | Correct

   Rio Grande River

   San Juan River

   San Juan River | Incorrect

4. What is the average annual precipitation in Albuquerque?

   15”

   15” | Incorrect

   20”

   20” | Incorrect

   3”

   3” | Incorrect

   9”

   9” | Correct

   Average annual precipitation ranges from 9” in Albuquerque to about 20” in the highest mountain elevations.